A Few Processor Basics

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Are quad core processors worth the extra money right now?

A Few Processor Basics

Building your own computer starts with one of two things: the heart or the brain. The heart would be the processor and the brain is the motherboard. It is a little like the chicken and the egg. Which one should you choose first? The two have to be compatible, and the processor you choose will usually determine your motherboard. So for our purposes we will start with the processor.

The Intel line of processors has made a lot of advancements over the past few years. There are currently single, dual and quad core CPUs available from Intel. Single core processors are becoming a thing of the past. Dual cores are more standard now, while quads are the new kid on the block that everyone wants to be friends with. Quad cores will reduce the workload on any one core, allowing for better speed and more multi-tasking. In the long run, quad cores are definitely worth the extra money.

If you are very familiar with building computers than you can purchase an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) processor. These will be a little bit cheaper because they do not come with a heatsink or cpu cooling fan. That money you save can then be put toward the purchase of a higher quality cooling device than the one your processor would normally come with. TigerDirect.com has an extensive selection of both standard and OEM processors to choose from.

   

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